Entering The Mother Zone: Balancing Self, Health, and Family. (Media Reviews).

Alexandra Powe Allred; $16.95; Wish Publishing; 812-478-3529; www.wishpublishing.com

When I first learned of this book, I immediately ought, "Oh, it isn't for me." The cover eludes to being for athletes and how they cope with pregnancy and breastfeeding while keeping up with their training. Though I was quite physically fit through my teens as a figure skater and gymnast and crosstrained through my entire first pregnancy, I admittedly have not been doing much in regard to scheduled fitness since then--unless you count chasing children and biking when I have a chance.

Yes, Entering The Mother Zone is about how celebrities and athletes deal with motherhood, but it is so much more. Allred looks far beyond the schedule conflicts and weight concerns faced by celebrities--indeed, by most women. She looks in-depth at how to eat well, exercise well, and lower stress for the benefit of mother and baby. She outlines how exercise will shorten labor, goes in-depth into eating for two, and explains what cravings mean. She even has included wonderful recipes by top trainers.

What is inspiring though is the extensive research she has done into the changing lifestyles of so many celebrities and athletes. I found myself comforted by the many examples of women who have gained well during pregnancy and were not ashamed by this. I was overjoyed when reading about the many successes, accomplishments, and goals achieved throughout the book, giving me inspiration in knowing I, too, can lose those baby pounds--it isn't an impossible goal. I even cried when reading Barbara Underhill's poem to her twin daughter who died so suddenly at eight months old. This book is indeed for me even though I have not been "the athlete" for far too long. It has inspired me into better health and, consequently, I have more energy and feel more alive, which is essential when facing the tough job of being in The Mother Zone.

--Connie Banack, CLA, CBE, ICAN president, Mom to Eric (9), Ryan (6 1/2), and Brendan born March 24, 2000, and wife to Allan; Camrose, Alberta, Canada; e-mail to: [e-mail]; website: http://www.mothercare.ab.ca. See also Connie's regional notes on page 12 for more information.